Giffords addresses Bard grads

Former congresswoman gives speech at college with her husband

Associated Press

Associated Press

Published 6:49 am, Sunday, May 26, 2013

Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and her husband, retired space shuttle Commander Mark Kelly, background right, acknowledge the crowd after delivering the commencement address in two parts, during the 153rd Commencement at Bard College, Saturday, May 25, 2013, in Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y. Giffords also received an honorary degree. (AP Photo/Philip Kamrass)

Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and her husband, retired space...

Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords leans forward as her husband, Mark Kelly, retired space shuttle commander, adjusts her mortarboard as they ride in the procession for the 153rd Commencement at Bard College, Saturday, May 25, 2013, in Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y. They delivered the commencement address, and Giffords received an honorary degree. (AP Photo/Philip Kamrass)

Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords leans forward as her husband,...

Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and her husband, Mark Kelly, retired space shuttle commander, ride in the procession for the 153rd Commencement at Bard College, Saturday, May 25, 2013, in Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y. They delivered the commencement address, and Giffords received an honorary degree. (AP Photo/Philip Kamrass)

Giffords told the more than 600 graduates at Bard that their "future shines bright."

"Starting tomorrow you can change the world," Giffords said. "The nation's counting on you to create, to lead, to innovate — but today we are celebrating you. Be bold, be courageous, be your best."

As he introduced his wife, Kelly told the graduates Giffords is still making progress in her recovery from the 2011 shooting.

"I know that someday soon, Gabby will be giving these speeches in their entirety," he said.

Kelly spoke about the couple's new political action committee, Americans for Responsible Gun Control, that seeks to limit the size of ammunition magazines and expand background checks for gun purchases.

Kelly said the organization is focused on keeping communities safer while protecting the Second Amendment.

He said since the shooting at Sandy Hook elementary last December, Giffords has been more involved in the movement for sensible gun control.

"Gabby's challenge now is to lead us forward and to bring more and more people with her," Kelly said.

"We are the counterbalance to the professional gun lobby — a truly citizen-based, people-driven movement to reclaim this debate and find, in the great tradition of our democracy, moderate, pragmatic solutions that respect our American values of the right to bear arms and the right to safety."